The plans include the demolition of the existing building, apart from part of the facade facing South Place, and the construction of an eight storey new building with new facades to comprise up to 23,000 square metres of office space.
The planning officer said in the report (48-page / 2.87MB PDF) to the planning committee that objections had been raised about the design of the proposed building, suggesting that the new facade would be damaging to the setting of neighbouring Grade II listed Britannic House and Finsbury Circus.
However, the officer said that the "scale, architectural language and materials" of the proposed building were considered to "preserve and enhance the character and appearance" of the conservation area and to "complement the setting of the listed buildings and historic garden."
Mitsubishi said it hopes to complete the redevelopment in 2016.
